Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 19, 2014 | 07:38 AM
  #1  
GLP83's Avatar
GLP83
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland
Default Help

Today 06:03 AM by GLP83
I had my 883 Iron for about 2 to 3 weeks now new and sometime when I take off in 1st I'll go to kick up to 2nd and I'll release clutch and end up in 3rd. This has been happening here and there since I got it but I thought that maybe I wasn't paying attention but it happened 3 times at one point so I know it wasn't me. Can someone tell me if they had this problem and what they think it is thanks. Taken her to the dealer tomorrow just like a little about something when I there thanks.
 
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2014 | 07:53 AM
  #2  
Enzoline's Avatar
Enzoline
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: California
Default

Whatever, ......
Dick
 

Last edited by Enzoline; Jul 26, 2014 at 07:25 AM.
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2014 | 08:45 AM
  #3  
GLP83's Avatar
GLP83
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland
Default Help

I've only had two weeks do you think the oil is the problem?
 
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2014 | 08:51 AM
  #4  
John Harper's Avatar
John Harper
HDF Community Team
10 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,552
Likes: 3,977
From: San Diego, CA
Community Team
Default

I think you need more time to adjust to properly shifting gears. You don't need the strength (or attitude) of a gorilla to shift a Sportster. Just a nice simple click upward and you should be fine. Find a parking lot somewhere and practice.

John
 
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2014 | 08:53 AM
  #5  
Dan89FLSTC's Avatar
Dan89FLSTC
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Navy
Active Streak: 30 Days
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,137
Likes: 12,698
From: South Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by Enzoline
Sometimes synthetic oil can make it shift too smoothly
That is ridiculous.
 
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2014 | 09:29 AM
  #6  
GLP83's Avatar
GLP83
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland
Default Help

Originally Posted by John Harper
I think you need more time to adjust to properly shifting gears. You don't need the strength (or attitude) of a gorilla to shift a Sportster. Just a nice simple click upward and you should be fine. Find a parking lot somewhere and practice.

John
I been riding since I was about 18 here and there I am 31 now. Last year was riding Yamaha 1000 crotch rocket it was my best friend bike. When I was 18 I had 500 Kawasaki cruiser as a learning bike and when I sold it,it was in perfect running condition. I don't think it's me but that's why I'm here for help thanks.
 
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2014 | 10:37 AM
  #7  
DrewBone's Avatar
DrewBone
Road Warrior
10 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 46
From: In the foothills of southwestern NC - US of A
Default

Depending on your shifting technique and whether or not you're riding it like a raped ape [bad visual, sorry!], you could very well be shifting into the next gear without using the clutch...it's possible, I've done it a handful of times in the past when I was distracted.

I'm only saying the above because going from 1st to 3rd in one shift isn't one I've heard of before, 'reason being that the Sporty gears are very positive and "ka-plunkie" and are nowhere near or the least bit as smooth as a sport bikes almost effortless and silent "click" transition from gear to gear.

Maybe someone will chime in with a proven reason for what you're experiencing and offer a clue as to how to fix it, if it trully is a mechanical issue like you suspect.

=8^)
 
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2014 | 11:34 AM
  #8  
Dan89FLSTC's Avatar
Dan89FLSTC
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Navy
Active Streak: 30 Days
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,137
Likes: 12,698
From: South Carolina
Default

The transmission should not go from first to third with only one throw of the shifter mechanism. If the bike is in warranty this is a no brainer, tell the dealer to fix it.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 19, 2014 | 04:06 PM
  #9  
GLP83's Avatar
GLP83
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland
Default

Thanks guys for all the help I have a appointment for next week.
 
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2014 | 08:37 AM
  #10  
John Harper's Avatar
John Harper
HDF Community Team
10 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,552
Likes: 3,977
From: San Diego, CA
Community Team
Default

Maybe you're just too excited about the return of LeBron to Cleveland.

John
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:54 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE